Fakenham: First Focus volunteer Margaret Goldingay's inquest

Margaret Goldingay, known as Maggie or Mags, had lived in Fakenhamsince 2011 and spent several years volunteering at the town’s charity, First Focus. 

Last year, on August 25, Mrs Goldingay began experiencing chest pain and attended the accident and emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn. 

Norfolk Coroner's Court - Picture: Donna-Louise Bishop (Image: Newsquest)

She was admitted to a ward and was told that she was suffering with an underlying medical condition and needed surgical treatment.  

On August 31, she underwent emergency surgery. Despite having the necessary post-operative care, her condition deteriorated. 

Two days later, she tested positive for Covid and on September 6 began experiencing chest pain again. She passed away the next day on September 7. 

An inquest into her death took place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall in Norwich on Thursday, March 9. 

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Assistant coroner, Johanna Thompson, told the court that Mrs Goldingay was 79 years old and lived at Heather Barrow Court off Thorn Road. 

Daughter, Donna Skinner, who was in court for the inquest, said: “Mum had lived alone since the early nineties and managed to live independently and worked part-time, despite struggles with her health.  

“Before Covid struck, mum was a sociable person. She was able to cook her own meals and eat with friends, volunteer at First Focus, and go shopping.” 

Ms Thompson gave the cause of death as a short narrative conclusion. She said: “Her death was as a result of recognised complications which developed after necessary surgery, contributed to by Covid infarction.” 

Mrs Goldingay, a retired waitress and a grandmother, was born Margaret Rose Thompson on June 8, 1943, in Stanford-le-Hope in Essex.